Eight in ten Muslims in the United States say they fast during Ramadan

Thursday May 17, 2018 12:33 PM
, ummid.com News Network

Washington: Muslims around the world welcomed Ramadan - Holy Month of fasting, on Thursday May 17, 2018. Men, women and also the children will now for the next 30 days observe fast from dawn to dusk - in some places for more than 22 hours. The situation is not different for the Muslims in the United States of America USA.

A latest survey by Pew Research shows that a huge majority of US Muslims - foreign born as well as US locals, observe fast during Ramadan like their counterparts in other countries.

"In the United States, the vast majority of Muslims celebrate Ramadan, with eight-in-ten saying they fast during the holy days", the Pew Research survey conducted ahead of Ramadan says.

"In fact, more Muslim adults say they fast during Ramadan than say they pray five times a day (42%) or attend mosque weekly (43%)", according to the 2017 Pew Research Center survey of U.S. Muslims.

"And far more women fast during Ramadan (82%) than wear the head cover, or hijab, at least most of the time (43%)", the survey says.

"Fasting for Ramadan is common across all the demographic groups that make up America’s 2.15 million Muslim adults. For instance, similar shares of Muslim men and women (77% vs. 82%) say they fast, and there is little difference between Muslims who were born in the U.S. and immigrants (79% vs. 80%)", the survey says.

"Not surprisingly, roughly nine-in-ten U.S. Muslims (92%) who say religion is “very important” in their lives observe the Ramadan fast. Among Muslims who say religion is “somewhat important,” two-thirds (65%) say they fast. But even among American Muslims who say religion is “not too” or “not at all” important, a substantial share (41%) say they fast", the survey says.

The ninth and one of the most sacred months of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan marks the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Because Muslims follow a lunar calendar, the start of Ramadan falls on a different day each year on the Gregorian calendar. Aside from those who are ill or traveling, Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink and sexual relations during daylight hours throughout the month. During this time, many pious Muslims traditionally devote more time to prayer, reflection and helping the needy.

Ramadan also is a time for celebrating and socializing. Muslims usually gather with family and friends at sundown for a communal breaking of the fast, known as iftar, and then spend the evening eating and catching up on social visits and entertainment. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims traditionally celebrate the Eid al-Fitr holiday with sweets, gifts for children, charitable donations and social events.